About
I have done private math tutoring for the last 10 years, 6 of which with the University of Wisconsin - Madison, part-time, and 2 of which were as a college math instructor at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. I am a dedicated math tutor with a near 100% success rate among tutees. I have had many students come back to me later to thank me for helping them pass their courses. I have tutored mathematics courses ranging from introductory algebra all the way up to Multivariable vector calculus. In addition to the algebra and calculus courses, I am also able to tutor a variety of linear algebra and introductory differential equation courses.
I am dedicated to my students learning and as such I am quite flexible in how I teach. I have a standard method, but the beauty of one-on-one tutoring is that I can shift methods if my student is having trouble grasping the concepts. I also bring in examples from outside sources, as well as creating examples that use a variety of techiques to test my students abilities and then use these examples to help fine tune my student's learning.
My LinkedIn profile:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/al-McMiller-CRO
I am making a difference, and I am spreading math education and fluency everywhere I go. I love seeing the understanding fall over a students face after them struggling with a concept for a long time. I also love seeing my students succeed and realize that they are not as bad at math as they thought, or that they are even good at math. And I love finding the gems who I think could go far in math if they pursued it further.
Specialties
Grade level
Type of math
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I try to get to know the student's interests and personality, as well as figure out how they feel about the math they have learned and are working on to best understand how to engage them in learning.
In the first session, in which I charge a reduced rate, the goal is to get to know my student in the above manner, as well as to potentially start on new material toward the end of the hour. Additionally, if I am working with a minor, I like to have the parent present to answer questions and give both them and the student the chance to ask me any questions they have.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am a Bachelor's Student at UW-Madison studying pure mathematics and biochemistry. In addition to my private tutoring business, I also work for the Athletic Department tutoring athletes in various math courses. I have been a math tutor for 6 years, and a general tutor for 8.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Yes, the first session is $15/hour, and subsequent sessions are $25/hour with the potential for reduced financing options for students with lower incomes.
How did you get started teaching?
I started back in high school helping classmates figure out the topics that I had mastered early. This was not in mathematics, but in chemstry, though I did help a couple classmates with math when they had a quick question or two. I fell in love with the feeling of seeing my students self-discovery of their own abilities in a subject they deemed too difficult. I have since tutored hundreds of students and I have come to believe that there is no such thing as someone who is not capable at learning math. Each student has different needs and abilities, but usually they just need proper instruction and determination.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with middle schoolers teaching chemistry concepts, as well as high schoolers, and currently mainly college students. I am a fast learner and so I can address various difficulties as they come up, especially since some of my students have been less eager to learn. That being said, I never give up on a student if they do not give up on me.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Given the COVID-19 lockdown this past spring, I lost most of my students, keeping only three out of ten, online. A couple weeks after the semester ended, I received an email from one of my remaining students thanking me for working with her and helping her pass. That made my day.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Be ready to work. I cannot help you if you refuse to put in the effort. Also, be prepared to do practice problems outside of the session because mathematics is one of those subjects that can only be mastered through consistent practice, and I cannot run through every single problem in an hour's session.
Also, if you do not trust your tutor, you are going to have a harder time learning. That is why I spend the first session getting to know my student. It is just as important for me to learn about them as it is them to determine if I will be a good fit. That is why I charge a reduced rate because it is a trust building session.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
An important one is, "have I attempted the problem before asking?" If the answer is no, then the student should at least make an attempt, and become aware of their thought processes. They should be prepared to explain what they tried and how it went.
If a student is struggling with how the tutor is teaching, do not question whether you should be asking for adjustments, it is on the tutor to be accommodating.
While there are not bad questions, there are off-topic questions, so if a student is going to ask a question, they should ask themselves if it is on topic or related to the work at hand. With that said, I am willing to answer certain off-topic questions, though I am being paid to teach them math, and I do not want their money going to waste. So if it is a quick question, or they want to know more about my background, they can ask, but I will try to answer those questions in the first session.
Lastly, I have met many students who struggle with math, after all that is why they usually come to me, and I do not want them to feel afraid to ask for help or advice. When I went through these subjects, I struggled as well. Math is hard, but it is not impossible and I do not believe anyone is inherently bad at math.
Also, if a student is feeling like the process is not working, they should ask themselves if they are putting in their fullest effort. If they are, feel free to tell the tutor this. A good tutor is empathetic, and will try to figure our where the disconnect is, to better help the student flourish.
And don't be afraid to tell a tutor that you don't feel like the sessions are working, and that you want a new tutor. It always suck to lose a student, but we are not always able to meet the needs of our students, and we have to understand that. However, before ending things with your tutor, try to communicate the issues with them and see if things can be resolved. If they cannot, then a good tutor will understand, and wish their student good luck on their studies and finding a new tutor.